Mourning Rituals - Judaism

Question 1

What is the year-long period of Jewish mourning called?

Answer 1

Avelut

Question 2

In Judaism, what is the week-long period of intense mourning called?

Answer 2

Shiva

Question 3

Instead of flowers, what is generally placed on graves?

Answer 3

Stones

Question 4

Why are stones placed on Jewish graves?

Answer 4

Symbolises the lasting presence of someone’s memory
More permanent than flowers
Is a sign of visitation - remembering the dead is an important mitzvot

Question 5

What do some Jews (mainly Orthodox) call cemeteries?

Answer 5

Houses of Life

Question 6

Why do some Jews (mainly Orthodox) call cemeteries ‘Houses of Life’?

Answer 6

They believe the dead are simply in a stage of waiting for resurrection
To demonstrate their belief in both physical and spiritual resurrection
Jews will be physically resurrected and returned to Israel when the Messiah comes

Question 7

What happens in the intense period of mourning?

Answer 7

Mourners:
* Stay at home and sit on low stools or the floor
* Mirrors are covered - so appearance cannot be focused on
* No work is done
* Don’t wear make-up or leather shoes
* Don’t cut their hair or shave
* Rip their clothes (keriah) and wear them for the week
* Don’t wash for pleasure - only basic cleanliness (like hand-washing) and not long, warm baths

Shiva is the intense, 7 day period of mourning

Question 8

What is the Kaddish prayer?

Answer 8

The mourner’s prayer said everyday in Avelut to glorify God’s name, even amidst grief and loss

Question 9

What is the difference between the kaddish prayer and the kiddush prayer?

Answer 9

Kaddish is the mourner’s prayer (said every day in avelut)
whereas the kiddush prayer is said every week as a blessing over Shabbat wine

KAddish said in Avelut

Question 10

What is avelut?

Answer 10

The 12 month mourning period following a Jewish burial
in which mourners avoid parties and celebrations and recite the kaddish prayer every day